Pokémon GO now available in 26 new countries

Niantic has announced on social media that Pokémon GO is now available in 26 new countries as part of a massive European rollout. Trainers in these new countries will now be able to head outside and catch their favorite Pokémon.

There's a video from Central Park where there's a rare Pokemon and it looks like there's hundreds of people there rushing to get it. I have never seen any game on any platform blow up like this and I really don't think it's a short term phase. I'm 40 years old, so I'm a tad bit too old to have been exposed to this game (way to busy chasing girls lol), but get why it's so popular. I live in Upstate NY and even though I dont live in a packed city, I see a lot of people playing this game. I've had this game installed since launch and I'm a level 4 with some ghetto ass Pokemon (not that I'd know what to do with them anyway) and I still have pokeballs without visiting a poke stop.

That's Pokemon for you. Gotta Catch 'Em All and be the very best like no one ever was. Great to see people go outside and interact with one another, meeting new people, playing with friends and family on the simple enjoyment of Pokemon.

I would say it's the competitive nature of human beings. Athletes. In Work. School/peers. People want "bragging rights". At the end of the day is your achievement level, team faction, or number of Pokemon going to change the quality of your life or financial independence?

For me, it is a nice diversion to my day, and yet another thing to have a conversation with my children about along with school, life goals, etc.

There is skill, strategy and critical thinking involved in the game that many miss. How is this video game different from others? It actually gets people up, moving, and exploring. while I don't agree with the trespassing, using the phone while driving, or the distracted walking, I have met friendly players while doing my normal routine. I was in the grocery store and noticed a few people playing. My phone was away and we struck up a conversation about tips and strategy. I am a 49 year old black man, and I held conversation with teenage and younger children of all ethnic backgrounds and their parents. All conversations ended with high fives and well wishes. If only we could be more civil with one another online and in person. maybe just maybe, all this violence cant stop.

In the end, people can choose to play, not play, and not to read the various articles.

I would've thought the number of new users that could bring in would bring Niantic's servers to to their knees hence the initially slow roll-out in smaller countries. I imagine you guys will be waiting a while until they are sure they can handle it.